Over 9,700 Apply for Latest Police Exam as Recruitment Soars 45%; Over 4,000 Previously Ineligible Candidates Return to Apply

New York City is on track to grow its police force to 35,000 uniformed officers by fall 2026, thanks to expanded eligibility criteria and continued funding under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.

The mayor made the announcement today as he welcomed more than 670 new recruits to the NYPD during a swearing-in ceremony.

The recruitment boost follows sweeping changes in eligibility requirements introduced earlier this year. Daily applications to join the NYPD have surged nearly 45%, with over 9,700 individuals applying to take the latest police officer exam. Notably, more than 4,000 individuals who were previously ineligible have reopened their applications to join the force.

“When we came into office over three years ago, we had a clear mission: drive down crime and make every New Yorker feel safe,” said Mayor Adams. “Our success depends on having enough officers to do that work. With expanded eligibility and strong financial investment, we’re proud to be on the path to building the strongest NYPD in decades.”

The city’s FY 2026 Executive Budget—touted as the “Best Budget Ever”—allocates $3.4 billion to support approximately 34,000 officers and includes funding for four NYPD academy classes. FY 2027 is set to support a full 35,000-member force.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the new recruit class, noting it reflects a renewed enthusiasm for public service. “By modernizing our standards and opening more doors, we’re giving thousands of New Yorkers a real opportunity to serve,” Tisch said.

In February, the Adams administration addressed long-standing hiring barriers by reducing the college credit requirement for academy entry from 60 to 24 credits. Additionally, the NYPD reinstated the timed 1.5-mile run as part of its physical fitness standards. A recent academic reassessment also increased the number of college credits awarded to recruits upon graduation from the academy from 36 to 45, meaning graduates now leave with at least 69 college credits.

As of this month, over 5,000 previously ineligible candidates were contacted, with more than 1,300 already moving forward with the application process.

The renewed interest comes as the NYPD reports strong public safety gains. In the first quarter of 2025, the city saw a 10.9% drop in overall index crime, a 34.4% reduction in homicides, and a 23.1% decline in shootings compared to the same period last year. The quarter also marked the lowest number of shootings in NYC’s recorded history and the first time in seven years with no murders in the subway system.

This announcement coincides with Mayor Adams’ “Budget Week,” which features initiatives aimed at improving affordability, public safety, and quality of life for all New Yorkers. Other highlights include investments in affordable housing, after-school programs, and youth job opportunities.

The current filing period to take the NYPD exam closes on May 20, 2025, with exams scheduled to begin on June 17.